US8454560B2 - Syringe mount for a medical fluid injector - Google Patents

Abstract

In certain embodiments, a syringe mount of the invention may include a plate, an actuator, and one or more movable members located between the plate and the actuator. Each of the plate and the actuator may have an orifice defined therein, and an imaginary reference axis of the syringe mount may extend through one or both of these orifices. The actuator may be movable relative to the plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reference axis. Further, the moveable member(s) may be designed to move (e.g., pivot) toward the reference axis due to movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position and to move (e.g., pivot) away from the reference axis due to movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to injectors for injecting fluid into animal subjects, including humans, and particularly relates to syringe mounts used to operatively connect a syringe to an injector.

BACKGROUND

During many medical procedures, various fluids are injected into patients for purposes of diagnosis or treatment. An example of one such fluid is contrast media used to enhance angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, or computerized tomography imaging. Such fluids may also be used in other modalities, such as intravenous pyelogram (IVP) and cardiology. The injectors used in these procedures are often automated devices that expel fluid from a syringe, through a tube, and into a patient.

Injectors suitable for these applications generally utilize relatively large volume syringes and tend to be capable of producing relatively large flow rates and injection pressures. For these reasons, injectors for such applications typically include large, high mass injection motors and drive trains. The motor and drive train of an injector are typically housed in an injection head, which is supported by a floor, wall, or a ceiling mounted arm. In order to perform an injection procedure using one of these injectors, a syringe may be operatively connected to an injector (e.g., via a face plate thereof), and a drive ram of the injector may then be moved to expel fluid from the syringe. Thereafter, the drive ram may be retracted, and the used syringe may then be disconnected from the injector.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a syringe mount that may be utilized to assist in enabling a user to mount a syringe on a medical fluid injector (e.g., in preparation for a medical imaging procedure) and to enable a user to subsequently remove the syringe from the injector (e.g., upon completion of an medical imaging procedure). Certain exemplary aspects of the invention are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of features and aspects that may not be set forth below.

A first aspect of the invention is directed to a syringe mount for connecting a syringe to a medical fluid injector. This syringe mount includes a movable actuator that has a wall member, which includes a distally facing wall surface, a proximally facing wall surface, and an orifice defined in the actuator. In addition, the syringe mount also includes a first movable member that is operatively coupled to the actuator and that confronts the distally facing wall surface of the actuator. As used herein, components that are “operatively coupled” may be directly coupled to one another or indirectly coupled to one another, may be integral with one another, or may be separate components.

A second aspect of the invention is also directed to a syringe mount for connecting a syringe to a medical fluid injector. The syringe mount of this second aspect includes a structure (e.g., a plate, a housing, or other structure of the syringe mount), an actuator, and at least one movable member located between the structure and the actuator. Each of the structure and the actuator has an orifice defined therein, and an imaginary reference axis of the syringe mount extends through both of these orifices. The actuator is movable relative to the structure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reference axis. Further, the moveable member(s) is(are) designed to move (e.g., pivot) toward the reference axis due to movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position and to move (e.g., pivot) away from the reference axis due to movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position.

Yet a third aspect of the invention is directed to a method of using a syringe mount of a medical fluid injector (e.g., to mount a syringe on an injector for an injection procedure). In this method, a syringe is inserted into an orifice defined in a first component (e.g., an actuator) of the syringe mount. The first component of the syringe mount is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the syringe while the syringe is located within the orifice. Due to this movement of the first component, a second component (e.g., a movable member) of the syringe mount is moved toward the longitudinal axis of the syringe.

Still a fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a method of using a syringe mount of a medical fluid injector (e.g., to remove a syringe from an injector upon completion of an injection procedure). In this method, a first component (e.g., an actuator) of the syringe mount is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a syringe while the syringe is located within an orifice defined in the first component of the syringe mount. A second component (e.g., a movable member) of the syringe mount is moved away from the syringe, and the syringe is removed from the syringe mount after the first and second components of the syringe mount have been moved.

Various refinements exist of the features noted above in relation to the various aspects of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in these various aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to one or more of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present invention alone or in any combination. Again, the brief summary presented above is intended only to familiarize the reader with certain aspects and contexts of the present invention without limitation to the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an injector head of an injector, having a syringe attached to a forward area thereof.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of one exemplary embodiment of a syringe mount.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the syringe mount ofFIG. 2A in an assembled condition.

FIG. 3A is a cutaway view of the syringe mount ofFIG. 2B, particularly showing an actuator of the syringe mount.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view, taken alongline3B-3B ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a cutaway view of syringe mount ofFIG. 2B, particularly showing first and second movable members of the syringe mount in an open position.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view, taken alongline4B-4B ofFIG. 4A, and also shows a coupling mechanism of a syringe plunger positioned in proximity to a plunger coupling element of a drive ram.

FIG. 5A is a cutaway view of the syringe mount ofFIG. 2B, particularly showing the first and second movable members in a closed position and engaging a syringe.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view, taken along line5B-5B ofFIG. 5A, and also shows the coupling mechanism on the backside of the syringe plunger engaged with the plunger coupling element of the drive ram.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a face plate of an injector in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the face plate ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the face plate ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the face plate ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the face plate ofFIG. 6 taken from the opposite side from that shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the face plate ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the face plate ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a face plate of an injector in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the face plate ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the face plate ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the face plate ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the face plate ofFIG. 13 taken from the opposite side from that shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the face plate ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the face plate ofFIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

Referring to the Figures, aninjector10 includes asyringe mount12 to facilitate attachment of asyringe14 to theinjector10 in alignment with a drive ram16, in order to provide an injection assembly. Thesyringe14 for use with theinjector10 generally includes a body18 (which may be in the form of an exterior cylindrical barrel), which at itsforward end20, is integral with a conicalfront wall22. Aneck24, terminating in adischarge tip26, generally extends forwardly from and may be integral with the conicalfront wall22. Thebody18 of thesyringe14 may interface with an interior wall of a pressure jacket (not shown) or acradle30 when such a pressure jacket orcradle30 is present on theinjector10. Thesyringe14, as used in conjunction with theinjector10 of the present invention, includes asyringe mating section32, which may be in the form of a radially outwardly extendingflange34. Thisflange34 is positioned in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis36 of thesyringe14 and may generally be integral with therearward end38 of thebody18 of thesyringe14. When thesyringe14 is associated with theinjector10, theflange34 is positioned into and/or in contact with thesyringe mount12 located on the forward end40 of ahousing42 of theinjector10. Thesyringe mating section32 and syringe mount12 may be utilized to facilitate operative connection of thesyringe14 to theinjector10, as will be described in greater detail below.

Thedischarge tip26 of thesyringe14 has an orifice44 defined in its remote end, which may communicate with an internal syringe cavity46 defined within theneck24, the conicalfront wall22, and thebody18 of thesyringe14. Arearward end48 of the cavity46 may be defined by a generally forward facingsurface50 of asyringe plunger52. In the illustrated embodiment, this forward facingsurface50 is substantially conical. Thesurface50 may be of a slope that conforms to the slope of the interior of the conicalfront wall22. Thesyringe plunger52 may be snugly slidable within thebody18 of thesyringe14 such that the cavity46 is of variable volume. Tubing (not shown) may be operatively connected to thedischarge tip26 such that fluid can be expressed from thesyringe14 through the tubing.

Referring now toFIGS. 1,4B, and5B, thesyringe plunger52 can be seen more clearly within thebody18 of thesyringe14. When thesyringe14 is attached to theinjector10, thesyringe plunger52 is preferably located proximal to and in substantial alignment with the drive ram16 of theinjector10. The drive ram16 is driven by a motor (not shown) to move in a forward or rearward motion along itslongitudinal axis54 to deploy the drive ram16, and thus to responsively deploy thesyringe plunger52 in a forward or rearward motion along the longitudinal axis36 of thesyringe14, to inject fluid into a patient or to fill thesyringe14 with fluid, respectively. For example, one may load a prefilled syringe into theinjector10 and, by deploying theplunger52 in a forward direction, may thereby expel fluid from thesyringe14. In so doing, the fluid may be injected into the patient. Alternatively, an empty syringe may be loaded into theinjector10 while thesyringe plunger52 may be located at or near its forward-most position. Thereafter, fluid (e.g., contrast media) may be loaded into thesyringe14 by operatively connecting thesyringe14 to a source of fluid and retracting thesyringe plunger52 in a rearward direction in order to draw fluid into thesyringe14.

Theinjector10 may be designed to accommodate prefilled syringes or empty syringes of varying volumes. For example, theinjector10 may be adapted to receive 125 ml prefilled syringes (e.g., Ultraject® syringe commercially available from Mallinckrodt Inc. of St. Louis, Mo.). Such syringes may be used for injecting contrast media into a patient. These 125 ml syringes may be prefilled with any of a range of appropriate amounts of fluid, such as 50 ml, 75 ml, 100 ml, 125 ml, or other amount. Additionally, theinjector10 may accommodate an empty syringe of any of a variety of sizes (e.g., 50 ml, 75 ml, 100 ml, 125 ml, 130 ml, etc.).

Referring now toFIGS. 2A-5B, one embodiment of asyringe mount12 is shown. Thesyringe mount12 includes amovable actuator56 including awall member58 defining anorifice60, and at least a firstmovable member62 operatively coupled to theactuator56 and responsively movable therewith. More specifically, thesyringe mount12 of the illustrated embodiment includes first and secondmovable members62,64 that are operatively coupled to thewall member58 of theactuator56. The first and secondmovable members62,64 include first andsecond pins66,68 operatively connected thereto. Thefirst pin66 is operatively coupled near afirst end70 of the firstmovable member62, and the second pin68 is operatively coupled near afirst end72 of the secondmovable member64. The first andsecond pins66,68 are received in at least oneslot74 defined in thewall member58 of theactuator56, to couple the first and secondmovable members62,64 thereto. Theactuator56 is disposed proximally of the first and secondmovable members62,64. Further, the first andsecond members62,64 may include first and second rods67,69 projecting rearwardly therefrom. These first and second rods67,69 may confront and move along the outer contour of thewall member58 of theactuator56, as the first and secondmovable members62,64 move between open and closed positions.

Theslot74 is defined by thewall member58 of theactuator56 at a base portion76 thereof. The first andsecond pins66,68 are movable (e.g., slidable and optionally rotatable) within theslot74. Each of the first andsecond pins66,68 can move from a position proximal to thecenter78 of theslot74, to positions near first and second terminal ends80,82 of theslot74. The first andsecond pins66,68 do not both move on one side of theslot74. Rather, thefirst pin66 is adapted to move within one portion of theslot74, and the second pin68 is adapted to move within another portion of theslot74. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, a base portion76 of thewall member58 includes anopening84 having a top portion thereof in a shape at least generally similar to a “V.” The first andsecond pins66,68 are disposed in the “V” portion of thisopening84. When the first andsecond pins66,68 are positioned near the intersection of the two legs of the “V,” the first and secondmovable members62,64 are in an open position (seeFIG. 4A). When the first andsecond pins66,68 are positioned near the first and second terminal ends80,82 of the “V,” the first and secondmovable members62,64 are in a closed position (seeFIG. 5A). While theslot74 of the illustrated embodiment is shown and described here as generally having a “V” shape, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that such a “V” shape is not necessary, and any other shape can be used that allows the first and secondmovable members62,64 to move sufficiently within a slot to operatively connect a syringe to aninjector10. For example, theslot74 may have a “U” or “C” shape. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that more than one slot may be used. For example, two slots forming a “V” shape proximal to the base76 of thewall member58 can receive the first andsecond pins66,68 near the point of the “V.” Again, those skilled in the art will recognize that the slots do not necessarily have to be in the shape of a “V.”

As can be seen fromFIGS. 2A-5B, theactuator56 and the first and secondmovable members62,64 of thesyringe mount12 are held within aface plate86 of thehousing42 of the injector10 (additional views of theface plate86 may be seen inFIGS. 6-12). Referring particularly toFIG. 2A, theface plate86 includes aproximal wall portion88, adistal wall portion90, acradle30 extending distally from thedistal wall portion90, and acoupling plate92. The first and secondmovable members62,64 are located between thecoupling plate92 and thewall member58 of theactuator56, and all three components are then contained within aninterior cavity94 of theface plate86, formed between theproximal wall portion88 anddistal wall portion90. Theactuator56 and the first and secondmovable members62,64 are movable within theinterior cavity94. Thecoupling plate92 is preferably substantially immobile relative to the proximal anddistal wall portions88,90 of theface plate86, as it is preferably fixed to at least one of the proximal anddistal wall portions88,90. In the illustrated embodiment, this fixing occurs through the use ofscrews96, which extend through orifices97 in arear plate99,orifices98 in theproximal wall portion88,orifices100 in thecoupling plate92, and are received in orifices (not shown) in thedistal wall portion90.

Thecoupling plate92 includes first andsecond pivoting shafts101,103 projecting from aproximal surface105 thereof. These first andsecond pivoting shafts101,103 are received in first andsecond shaft openings107,109 defined in the first and secondmovable members62,64, respectively. As such, the first and secondmovable members62,64 are able to exhibit a pivoting motion about the corresponding first andsecond pivot shafts101,103. Stated another way, the first and secondmovable members62,64 are coupled with corresponding the first andsecond pivoting shafts101,103 in a manner such that themovable members62,64 can pivot thereabout. The first andsecond pivoting shafts101,103 thus may be said to provide pivot points for the first and secondmovable members62,64.

To initiate loading of thesyringe14 into thesyringe mount12, theflange34 at therearward end38 of thesyringe14 may be passed through an aperture in each of thedistal wall portion90 of thesyringe mount12 and thecoupling plate92 and may be received into theorifice60 defined in theactuator56. While therearward end38 of thesyringe14 is located in theorifice60, thesyringe14 may be moved in a first direction substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis54 of the drive ram16 of theinjector10. Herein, this direction will be referred to as a “downward” direction (as the motion is down relative to the injector10). However, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the motion does not have to be “downward,” but that the components of thesyringe mount12 can be configured such that motion in other directions can effect appropriate engagement of the syringe14 (including, but not limited to, “upward” movement, “side-to-side” movement, or any other appropriate, substantially perpendicular movement such that the longitudinal axis36 of thesyringe14 is moved into a substantially coaxial relationship with thelongitudinal axis54 of the drive ram16). This downward motion, in turn, responsively moves theactuator56 in the downward direction. The motion of theactuator56 in the downward direction causes each of the first andsecond pins66,68 to move to the corresponding first and second ends80,82 of theslot74 defined in the base portion76 of thewall member58. This movement of thepins66,68 occurs because the first and secondmovable members62,64 cannot move in the downward direction due to the first andsecond pivoting shafts101,103 of the fixedcoupling plate92 being located within the first andsecond shaft openings107,109 of the first and secondmovable members62,64. Thus, as theactuator56 moves in the downward direction, the first andsecond pins66,68 move within theslot74 to the first and second terminal ends80,82 thereof. Because the first and secondmovable members62,64 cannot move downwardly, they instead pivot about the pivot points provided by the first andsecond pivoting shafts101,103. In other words, the first and secondmovable members62,64 rotate about the corresponding first andsecond pivoting shafts101,103 at the respective first andsecond shaft openings107,109. As such, the first and secondmovable members62,64 pivot to engage (e.g., substantially, circumferentially envelop) therearward end38 of the syringe14 (seeFIG. 5A). Since theflange34 of thesyringe14 is located within theactuator56 during this pivoting movement of themovable members62,64, the first and secondmovable members62,64 engage thebody18 of the syringe14 (rather than the flange34). In embodiments where themovable members62,64 are designed such that this engagement with thebody18 of thesyringe14 may be characterized as a substantial enveloping of thebody18, it may be said that this type of engagement allows for greater coverage of thesyringe14 than found in prior syringe mounts, and thus, potentially allows thesyringe14 to withstand greater injection pressures.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and secondmovable members62,64 are opposite one another and are positioned about thelongitudinal axis54 of the drive ram16. Further, the first and secondmovable members62,64 each have anarcuate face102,104. These arcuate faces102,104 are shown as being diametrically opposite one another and located exterior to thebody18 of thesyringe14. When thesyringe14 is properly engaged with thesyringe mount12 of theinjector10, the first and secondmovable members62,64 of thesyringe mount12 are in contact with the side surface of theexterior body18 of thesyringe14 to hold thesyringe14 in place and in alignment with the drive ram16 of theinjector10.

In some embodiments, the arcuate faces102,104 of themovable members62,64 may bear one or more types of engagement enhancing features (e.g., grooves, bumps, indentations, ridges, teeth, combinations thereof, and the like) to improve the ability of themovable members62,64 to grip and/or hold thesyringe14. In some embodiments, a grip enhancing coating (e.g., Santoprene® elastomer) may be applied to the arcuate faces102,104 of themovable members62,64 to facilitate gripping/holding of thesyringe14.

The pivotal movement of the first and secondmovable members62,64 alters the distance between the arcuate faces102,104 as they pivot toward and away from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and secondmovable members62,64 are each movable. In some embodiments, it is possible to use a single movable member disposed in spaced relation to an immobile member (e.g., arcuate stop or abutment) toward which the single movable member may be moved.

In some embodiments, first and secondmovable members62,64 are not necessary for appropriate syringe engaging function. In such embodiments, a single gripping member may be used to engage thesyringe14, thereby operatively connecting thesyringe14 to theinjector10. In such embodiments, the single movable member should cover enough of the circumference of thesyringe14, when in contact with thebody18, to hold thesyringe14 against theinjector10. In such embodiments, each arm extending from a center point of the movable member may have a degree of elasticity such that the arms may splay outwardly and inwardly to allow for insertion and/or removal of thesyringe14.

Thewall member58 of theactuator56 is shown as having aperipheral side surface110 that includes a first undulatingcontour106 and a secondundulating contour108. As shown, the second undulatingcontour108 is positioned substantially opposite the first undulatingcontour106. Each of these first and second undulatingcontours106,108 includes afirst valley112, asecond valley114, and aridge116 disposed therebetween. When positioned within thesyringe mount12 of theinjector10, these first and second undulatingcontours106,108 are confronted by first andsecond projections118,120 (seeFIGS. 2A and 5A), which are adapted to ride along the surface of the first and second undulatingcontours106,108 as theactuator56 is moved between the first and second positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first andsecond projections118,120 are coupled to theproximal wall portion88 of theface plate86, and are spring-biased in a direction toward each of the first and second undulatingcontours106,108. The interaction of the first andsecond detents118,120 and first and second undulatingcontours106,108 assist in maintaining theactuator56 in either the first or second position until a user desires to move theactuator56 to either load or unload thesyringe14. In some embodiments, the first andsecond pins66,68 may include bias springs associated with each of the first and secondmovable members62,64. In such embodiments, one end of each of the bias springs may be in contact with its respectively associated movable member, and the opposite end of each bias spring may seat or bear against portions of the housing42 (or face plate86) of theinjector10. In some embodiments, at least a portion of these bias springs may be disposed about thepins66,68, which form the pivot axes of the first and secondmovable members62,64.

To load asyringe14 into theinjector10, thesyringe14 is positioned relative to thewall member58 of theactuator56 such that theflange34 at therearward end38 of thesyringe14 is received within theorifice60 of thewall member58 such that at least onecontact point122 on the periphery of theflange34 contacts or can be brought into contact with aperipheral surface124 defining theorifice60. More specifically, theflange34, in certain embodiments, may be received by arecess125 in theactuator56. Theactuator56 is shown inFIG. 4A as being in the first position, such that the first and secondmovable members62,64 are in the open position. Also in this first position, the first andsecond projections118,120 are in contact with thefirst valleys112 of the corresponding first and second undulatingcontours106,108. The force of the spring bias of the first andsecond projections118,120 at least assists in preventing thewall member58 of the actuator56 from moving unassisted to the second position. Further, the drive ram16 of theinjector10 is preferably positioned such that aplunger coupling mechanism126 is aligned with acoupling mechanism128 extending from a rearward face of the syringe plunger52 (seeFIG. 4B).

A user then applies a force to thesyringe14 in a direction substantially perpendicular to, and towards, thelongitudinal axis54 of the drive ram16. Theflange34 of thesyringe14, contacting theperipheral surface124 of thewall member58, is utilized to force thewall member58 of theactuator56 to responsively move in a direction substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis54 of the drive ram16. Enough force is applied to overcome the spring-bias of the first andsecond projections118,120, such that theactuator56 moves from the first position to the second position. As this occurs, the first andsecond projections118,120 ride along the first and second undulatingcontours106,108 from thefirst valleys112, along theridges116, and into thesecond valleys114. The first andsecond projections118,120 may then be utilized to at least assist in maintaining thewall member58 in the second position shown inFIG. 5A.

The movement of thewall member58 from the first position to the second position cooperatively moves theslot74 of thewall member58 in a direction substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis54 of the drive ram. And thus, theslot74 moves relative to the first andsecond pins66,68, thereby causing the first andsecond pins66,68 to move relative to and within theslot74. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first andsecond pins66,68 move within the V-shaped slot from a position proximal to the point of the “V,” to positions proximal to the terminal ends of each leg of the “V” (from the position shown inFIG. 4A, to the position shown inFIG. 5A). This movement causes a responsive pivotal movement of the first and secondmovable members62,64 from the open position to the closed position such that therearward end38 of thesyringe14 is engaged by the first and secondmovable members62,64. In particular, as theactuator56 moves in the downward direction, the first andsecond pins66,68 move within theslot74 to the first and second terminal ends80,82 thereof. Because the first and secondmovable members62,64 cannot move downwardly, they instead pivot about the pivot points provided by the first andsecond pivoting shafts101,103. In other words, the first and secondmovable members62,64 rotate about the first andsecond pivoting shafts101,103 at the first andsecond shaft openings107,109, respectively.

As thewall member58 is moved from the first position to the second position, and thesyringe14 moves with thewall member58 from a position not engaged by themovable members62,64 to a position engaged by themovable members62,64, thecoupling mechanism128 at therearward end38 of thesyringe plunger52 moves from a position not engaged with theplunger coupling mechanism126 of the drive ram16 to a position engaged with theplunger coupling mechanism126 of the drive ram16. In the illustrated embodiment (seeFIGS. 4B and 5B), when theflange34 of thesyringe14 is aligned with theorifice60 defined by thewall member58, thesyringe plunger52 within thesyringe14 is preferably positioned such that thecoupling mechanism128 on the rearward face of thesyringe plunger52 is aligned with theplunger coupling mechanism126 of the drive ram16. Thecoupling mechanism128 of the illustratedsyringe plunger52 is aprojection128 extending from the rearward face of thesyringe plunger52. Thisprojection128 may be characterized as exhibiting a “T” shape having a stem portion130 (parallel to the longitudinal axis36 of the syringe14) topped by a cap portion132 (transverse to the longitudinal axis of the syringe14). As thewall member58 is moved from the first position to the second position, the cap portion132 of thecoupling mechanism128 may be received by theplunger coupling mechanism126, which in the illustrated embodiment, is aslot134 formed in the forward end of the drive ram16.

Aslot134 is defined in the forward end of the drive ram16 in a shape to receive thecoupling mechanism128 of thesyringe14, and particularly the cap portion132 thereof. A cross-section of theplunger coupling element126 is shown as exhibiting a J-shape (having a slot within a hook portion of the “J” configured to receive the cap portion132), such that when thesyringe plunger52 is engaged with the drive ram16, thedistal end136 of the “J” shape is positioned distally of a part of the cap portion132 of thecoupling mechanism128. Thus, when thesyringe14 is initially inserted into the actuator56 (in the first position), the cap portion132 of thecoupling mechanism128 is “above” theplunger coupling element126 of the drive ram16. However, as theactuator56 is moved to the second position, the cap portion132 of thecoupling mechanism128 is moved to be positioned proximally of thedistal end136 of theplunger coupling mechanism126 of the drive ram16. Once engaged, an injection procedure may be run, such as by translating the drive ram16 forward along itslongitudinal axis54 to dispense a fluid, such as contrast media, from thesyringe14. While theslot134 andextension128 of the illustrated embodiment have shapes referred to herein as “J” and “T,” respectively, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that any shape that facilitates coupling may be used. Additionally, while the illustrated embodiment depicts first acoupling mechanism128 andplunger coupling mechanism126 that result in a passive coupling, those of skill in the art will recognize that coupling mechanisms and plunger coupling mechanisms that result in an active coupling (one which involves some degree of positive gripping) may be used.

As described previously, thesyringe mount12 of the present invention allows for thesyringe14 to be removed from theface plate86 and/or forward end40 of theinjector10, when the drive ram16 of theinjector10 is at any position. It does not require the drive ram16 to be returned to a “home” position before detaching thesyringe14 from theinjector10. Thus, during an injection procedure, the translation of the drive ram16 may be stopped while the drive ram16 is in an extended position from thefront face place86 of theinjector10. A user can then grip thesyringe14 and move it in an upward direction, thereby overcoming the spring-biased force of the first andsecond projections118,120 to cause theactuator56 to move from the second position to the first position. As this occurs, the first andsecond projections118,120 ride along the first and second undulatingcontours106,108 from thesecond valleys114, over theridges116, and into thefirst valleys112. Simultaneously, the first andsecond pins66,68 of the first and secondmovable members62,64 will move within the V-shaped slot of thewall member58 from a position near the terminal ends80,82 of the arms of the V to a position near the point of the V. This causes the first and secondmovable members62,64 to pivot from the closed position to the open position by pivoting about the pivot points created by the interaction of the first andsecond pivoting shafts101,103 with the first andsecond shaft openings107109. Due to the positioning of theflange34 at therearward end38 of thesyringe14 within theorifice60 of theactuator56, theactuator56 allows for enough vertical syringe movement for the T-shaped coupling mechanism on the rearward face of thesyringe14 to clear the slot on the forward end of the drive ram16, thereby allowing removal of thesyringe14 from theinjector10.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of Applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims (38)

What is claimed is:

1. A method of using a syringe mount of a medical fluid injector, the medical fluid injector comprising a drive ram having a longitudinal axis, the method comprising:

moving a syringe through an aperture of the syringe mount and into an interior cavity of the syringe mount to insert the syringe into a separate orifice defined in a first component of the syringe mount;

moving the first component in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the syringe to move the longitudinal axis of the syringe towards the longitudinal axis of the drive ram, wherein the syringe is located within the orifice during the moving of the first component; and

the moving of the first component causing movement of a second component of the syringe mount toward the longitudinal axis of the syringe.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the moving of the second component comprises moving opposing first and second portions of the second component toward the longitudinal axis of the syringe, wherein the longitudinal axis of the syringe is located between the first and second portions prior to and after the moving of the second component.

3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the second component of the syringe mount contacts the syringe as a result of the moving of the second component.

4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the aperture is defined in a third component of the syringe mount.

5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the moving of the first component comprises moving the first component relative to the third component.

6. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the moving of the second component comprises moving the second component relative to the third component.

7. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the syringe is disposed within the aperture and orifice of the first and third components, respectively, during the moving of the first component.

8. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising a user of the syringe mount exerting a force on the syringe while the syringe is located within the orifice defined in the first component, wherein the force exerted by the user comprises a force vector oriented in the first direction, and wherein the force exerted by the user causes the moving of the first component.

9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the moving of the first component changes the position of the orifice relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive ram.

10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the moving of the first component changes a position of the longitudinal axis of the syringe relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive ram.

11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the moving of the syringe is executed with the first component being in a first position, wherein the longitudinal axis of the syringe is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the drive ram with the first component being in the first position, wherein the moving of the first component moves the first component from the first position to a second position, and wherein the moving of the first component moves the longitudinal axis of the syringe into a substantially coaxial relationship with the longitudinal axis of the drive ram.

12. A method of using a syringe mount of a medical fluid injector, the medical fluid injector comprising a drive ram having a longitudinal axis, the method comprising:

moving a syringe parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drive ram to insert the syringe into an orifice defined in a first component of the syringe mount;

moving the first component in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the syringe to change the position of the orifice of the first component relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive ram; and

the moving of the first component causing movement of a second component of the syringe mount toward the longitudinal axis of the syringe.

13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the moving of the second component comprises moving opposing first and second portions of the second component toward the longitudinal axis of the syringe, wherein the longitudinal axis of the syringe is located between the first and second portions prior to and after the moving of the second component.

14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the second component of the syringe mount contacts the syringe as a result of the moving of the second component.

15. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising inserting the syringe into an orifice defined in a third component of the syringe mount.

16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the moving of the first component comprises moving the first component relative to the third component.

17. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the moving of the second component comprises moving the second component relative to the third component.

18. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the syringe is disposed within the orifices of the first and third components during the moving of the first component.

19. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising a user of the syringe mount exerting a force on the syringe while the syringe is located within the orifice defined in the first component, wherein the force exerted by the user comprises a force vector oriented in the first direction, and wherein the force exerted by the user causes the moving of the first component.

20. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the moving of the first component changes a position of the longitudinal axis of the syringe relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive ram.

21. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the moving of the syringe is executed with the first component being in a first position, wherein the longitudinal axis of the syringe is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the drive ram with the first component being in the first position, wherein the moving of the first component moves the first component from the first position to a second position, and wherein the moving of the first component moves the longitudinal axis of the syringe into a substantially coaxial relationship with the longitudinal axis of the drive ram.

22. A method of using a syringe mount of a medical fluid injector, the medical fluid injector comprising a drive ram having a longitudinal axis, the method comprising:

moving a syringe in an insertion direction to insert the syringe into an orifice defined in a first component of the syringe mount; and

moving the first component in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the syringe to change a position of the longitudinal axis of the syringe relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive ram, wherein the insertion and first directions are different, and wherein the moving of the first component is while the syringe is located within the orifice and causes movement of a second component of the syringe mount toward the longitudinal axis of the syringe.

23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the moving of the second component comprises moving opposing first and second portions of the second component toward the longitudinal axis of the syringe, wherein the longitudinal axis of the syringe is located between the first and second portions prior to and after the moving of the second component.

24. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the second component of the syringe mount contacts the syringe as a result of the moving of the second component.

25. The method ofclaim 22, further comprising inserting the syringe into an orifice defined in a third component of the syringe mount.

26. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the moving of the first component comprises moving the first component relative to the third component.

27. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the moving of the second component comprises moving the second component relative to the third component.

28. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the syringe is disposed within the orifices of the first and third components during the moving of the first component.

29. The method ofclaim 22, further comprising a user of the syringe mount exerting a force on the syringe while the syringe is located within the orifice defined in the first component, wherein the force exerted by the user comprises a force vector oriented in the first direction, and wherein the force exerted by the user causes the moving of the first component.

30. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the moving of the syringe is executed with the first component being in a first position, wherein the longitudinal axis of the syringe is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the drive ram with the first component being in the first position, wherein the moving of the first component moves the first component from the first position to a second position, and wherein the moving of the first component moves the longitudinal axis of the syringe into a substantially coaxial relationship with the longitudinal axis of the drive ram.

31. A method of using a syringe mount of a medical fluid injector, the medical fluid injector comprising a drive ram having a longitudinal axis, the method comprising:

inserting a syringe into an orifice defined in a first component of the syringe mount and while the first component is both in a first position and interconnected with the medical fluid injector, wherein a longitudinal axis of the syringe is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the drive ram with the first component being in the first position; and

moving the first component from the first position to a second position while the syringe is located within the orifice, wherein the moving of the first component is in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the syringe, causes movement of a second component of the syringe mount toward the longitudinal axis of the syringe, and moves the longitudinal axis of the syringe into a substantially coaxial relationship with the longitudinal axis of the drive ram.

32. The method ofclaim 31, wherein the moving of the second component comprises moving opposing first and second portions of the second component toward the longitudinal axis of the syringe, wherein the longitudinal axis of the syringe is located between the first and second portions prior to and after the moving of the second component.

33. The method ofclaim 31, wherein the second component of the syringe mount contacts the syringe as a result of the moving of the second component.

34. The method ofclaim 31, further comprising inserting the syringe into an orifice defined in a third component of the syringe mount.

35. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the moving of the first component comprises moving the first component relative to the third component.

36. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the moving of the second component comprises moving the second component relative to the third component.

37. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the syringe is disposed within the orifices of the first and third components during the moving of the first component.

38. The method ofclaim 31, further comprising a user of the syringe mount exerting a force on the syringe while the syringe is located within the orifice defined in the first component, wherein the force exerted by the user comprises a force vector oriented in the first direction, and wherein the force exerted by the user causes the moving of the first component.

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